Combustion and NO x emissions characteristics of a down-fired 660-MWe utility boiler retro-fitted with air-surrounding-fuel concept

Abstract: Air-surrounding-fuel is a well-known concept used within tangential and wall-fired boilers. Here, we report for the first time on industrial experiments performed to study the effects of this concept on a 660 MWe full-scale down-fired boiler. Data are reported for the gas temperature distributions along the primary air and coal-mixed flows, furnace temperatures, gas compositions, for example O2, CO and NO x , and gas temperatures in the near-wall region. The influence of concentration control valve (CCV) opening on combustion and NO x emission in the furnace were determined. The results show that the flame stability, temperature distribution, unburnt carbon are influenced by both concentration ratios and fuel-rich flow velocities. As CCV opening increases, NO x emissions decrease from 2594 mg/m3 to 1895 mg/m3. Considering altogether economic benefits and environmental protection issues, 30% is the optimal value for the CCV opening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]